On Tuesday night, Lille and Rennes go head-to-head at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, in a game that could be vital in the fight for the European spots in the French top-flight.
Lille are currently fourth-place in the table, but are six points behind third-place Rennes and only a point ahead of the chasing pack led by Montpellier. LOSC would have been much further ahead in the race to secure European football for next season if it were not for a poor recent run of form in the French top-flight.
In fact, a 2-1 win at Strasbourg last time out ended a three-game losing streak for the home side in Ligue One.
The home side’s decent position in the French top-flight table owes a lot to their recent home form in Ligue One.
LOSC have won 12 of their last 15 league matches on home soil. However, a 2-0 defeat by PSG in their last home outing ended a 14-game unbeaten run at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the Ligue One.
Rennes are enjoying an even better Ligue One campaign than the hosts, as previously mentioned they are currently third-place in the table. They are comfortable in the European spots for now, but cannot afford for a drop off in form.
However, the visitors have been in good form of late in the French top-flight, winning seven of their last nine outings in Ligue One, while suffering just one defeat in the process. Their recent league outings have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their last six Ligue One matches.
Julien Stephan’s team are unbeaten in team matches on their travels in the league, having recorded three wins and a draw.
With little between the two teams, it is unsurprising that Forebet predicts this game will produce a low scoring draw.